A woman wearing hanfu kicks a shuttlecock at the sporting event. [Photo/Tide News]

During the May Day holiday, a traditional Chinese sporting event took place at the Confucius Temple Square in Qingyuan county, Lishui, Zhejiang province.

Activities showcasing traditional Chinese culture, like cuju (an ancient Chinese soccer game), archery, sandbag throwing, and shuttlecock kicking, entertained participants. Hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing) enthusiasts from six counties in Zhejiang and Fujian provinces joined locals in the event.

Qingyuan county, with a rich history dating back about a thousand years, embodies the charm of the Song Dynasty (960-1279). This year, the county organized series of activities during the holiday to promote its cultural heritage. The sporting event was a highlight.

In the shuttlecock area, women dressed in hanfu kicked shuttlecocks gracefully, flexibly adjusting their pace and posture. The colorful shuttlecocks danced above their thick-soled ancient-style shoes. Shuttlecock kicking, originating in the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220), remains a popular folk sport to this day.

At the event, participants enjoyed ancient sports, immersing themselves in the vibrant atmosphere.

The holiday also featured activities such as a traditional Chinese-style market and a Song-Dynasty art exhibition. These events gave visitors a glimpse into Qingyuan's cultural richness.